Robert James Worthington
Robert James Worthington ran for election to the Toledo City Council to represent District 3 in Ohio. Worthington lost in the primary on September 10, 2019.
Worthington completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.
Though Toledo elections are officially nonpartisan, Worthington is affiliated with the Democratic Party.[1]
Biography
Worthington received his B.A. in law and social thought from the University of Toledo in 2015 and his Master of Studies in Law from the University of Toledo in 2019.[2][3]
Worthington began serving as president of the Burroughs Neighborhood Organization in South Toledo in 2019.[4]
Elections
2019
See also: City elections in Toledo, Ohio (2019)
General election
General election for Toledo City Council District 3
Theresa Gadus defeated Glen Cook in the general election for Toledo City Council District 3 on November 5, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Theresa Gadus (Nonpartisan) | 50.4 | 1,247 | |
| Glen Cook (Nonpartisan) | 49.6 | 1,225 | ||
| Total votes: 2,472 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Toledo City Council District 3
Glen Cook and Theresa Gadus defeated Robert James Worthington in the primary for Toledo City Council District 3 on September 10, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Glen Cook (Nonpartisan) | 41.9 | 265 | |
| ✔ | Theresa Gadus (Nonpartisan) | 33.8 | 214 | |
| Robert James Worthington (Nonpartisan) | 24.3 | 154 | ||
| Total votes: 633 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for Ohio House of Representatives District 44
Paula Hicks-Hudson won election in the general election for Ohio House of Representatives District 44 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Paula Hicks-Hudson (D) | 100.0 | 27,368 | |
| Total votes: 27,368 | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Kenneth Cousino (R)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 44
Paula Hicks-Hudson defeated Robert James Worthington in the Democratic primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 44 on May 8, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Paula Hicks-Hudson | 83.5 | 5,613 | |
| Robert James Worthington | 16.5 | 1,113 | ||
| Total votes: 6,726 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 44
Kenneth Cousino advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 44 on May 8, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kenneth Cousino | 100.0 | 1,061 | |
| Total votes: 1,061 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2015
- See also: Toledo, Ohio municipal elections, 2015
The city of Toledo, Ohio, held elections for mayor and city council on November 3, 2015. A primary election in the city council races took place on September 15, 2015. The filing deadline for candidates who wished to run in this election was July 21, 2015.[5] In the District 3 race, Peter Ujvagi and Glen Cook defeated Ernest McCarthy and Robert James Worthington in the primary election. Ujvagi defeated Cook in the general election. Incumbent Mike Craig did not run for re-election.[6][7]
| Toledo City Council District 3, General election, 2015 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Peter Ujvagi |
52.9% | 3,258 |
| Glen Cook | 47.1% | 2,904 |
| Write-in votes | 0% | 0 |
| Total Votes | 6,162 | |
| Source: Lucas County Board of Elections, "Election Summary Results", accessed November 3, 2015 | ||
| Toledo City Council, District 3 Primary Election, 2015 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Peter Ujvagi |
47.2% | 925 | |
| Glen Cook |
29.1% | 570 | |
| Ernest McCarthy | 12.6% | 247 | |
| Robert James Worthington | 11.1% | 218 | |
| Total Votes | 1,960 | ||
| Source: Lucas County Board of Elections, "Official primary election results," accessed October 1, 2015 | |||
Campaign themes
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Robert James Worthington completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Worthington's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
My top 3 priorities: (1) Uniting the District between South and East Toledo, and between Councilmember and constituents, by showing up, communicating, and working with all; (2) Beautifying our highly traveled areas by fixing up properties on a donation and volunteer basis - paint, fences, lawn control, etc. - small, hands-on fixes go a long way; (3) Making sure taxes go where taxpayers prefer - I would like to have specific taxes in addition to OR replacing some of our current taxes, so they specifically go to roads, parks, police and fire, etc. - this would be millions of dollars per year efficiently directed at funding what Toledo taxpayers actually hold as priorities. I would also like to inform citizens of small businesses they might not know of and promote local business; work to create a Toledo with more sustainability - with energy efficiency and promotion of Green jobs and manufacturing; and work with the youth to increase schooling, reduce delinquency, and keep them in Toledo in a welcoming environment.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Areas of public policy that I am personally passionate about include neighborhood connection, citizen input driven governance, ensuring equality and civil rights, government efficiency, civic education, government accountability and reform, and environmental justice.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I look up to and would like to follow the two men I voted for in Presidential Primaries - Barrack Obama and Bernie Sanders. Barrack Obama did his best to try to unite the country under the banner of hope, and one America. Bernie Sanders is doing his best to stand up for all of us, against all odds. There are also heroes closer to home - like my father who has just passed away, who would help anyone, and who believed in the good of this country; and my history teacher, who spends her own free time making sure there is justice in our communities.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Media that would help explain my political philosophy include the movies "Lincoln" and "Valkyrie," and the Bernie Sanders books "Our Revolution," and "Guide to Political Revolution," as well as "To Kill a Mockingbird." I believe there are a lot of people who believe "democratic socialism" is the same as the communism of the Cold War. If they read the Bernie Sanders books, they might understand that there is a problem in our country, and that the system of capitalism under which we currently live is actually much closer to the communism they're so afraid of ruining the United States. It's already being ruined, we're supposed to try to save it, as Americans.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Characteristics or principles that are most important for an elected official include selflessness; integrity; honesty; energy; adaptability; open-mindedness; leadership; teamwork; independence; forward thinking; and a spirit of unity.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
The qualities that I possess that I believe would make me a good officeholder are the qualities of being extremely hard-working; communicative; empathetic; intelligent; fair; determined; tenacious; loving and caring; tirelessness; open-minded; supportive; and proud of where I come from.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
I believe the core responsibilities of someone elected to Toledo City Council as a District Councilmember are to keep in touch with the residents and business owners of the district to know what the issues are and what they can do to help; make sure the district is beautified and maintained regularly; making sure the district is inclusive and has something to do for everyone; making the district attractive to outsiders to increase population, job opportunities, tax revenue, and the voice of the district in city-wide affairs; and represent the interests of the district above all other interests at play and to which they might be responsible (people over Party).
What legacy would you like to leave?
The legacy I would like to leave is of being the hardest working representative of all time - no matter the office; no matter the challenges.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The first historical event I remember was probably the events of September 11, 2001. I was in 2nd grade, and would have been 6 years old. It left a big impression on me, inspired even more patriotism that my father as a Marine had already inspired in me, and gave me a sense of service.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My very first job was an odd job working with my father. My first independent work was as an artist, and I'm still an artist to this day. My first mainstream job was at Taco Bell - I still love the food - and I was there for about a year before I left because I didn't get time off to go get my license and vote in my first election, as well witnessing discrimination against gay employees which I couldn't tolerate as a manager-in-training. It gave me a taste of the kinds of jobs that a lot of struggling people work right now, and I am sympathetic.
What happened on your most awkward date?
When you ask what happened on my most awkward date, I'm sitting here thinking that all of my dates are pretty awkward, because my fiancee Sarah and I are just being ourselves, having fun, loving each other, no matter who's watching. We're classy, but we're also pretty cute, and extremely funny. I think that might be why she likes me.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
My favorite might be Halloween, but that might just be because my birthday is the day before. Fourth of July is when I'm usually happiest. If it were a holiday, which it should be, Election Day would be my favorite - it's such an exciting day.
What is your favorite book? Why?
My favorite book is "To Kill a Mockingbird" because there are a lot of parts in there that struck me deeply.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
If I could be any fictional character, I would probably want to be Doctor Manhattan from Watchmen. He's very efficient; he understands time the way I like to think I do; he is caring but knows that the greater good might have to prevail over the interests of himself or the ones he loves.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My favorite thing in my home is probably the fridge. It's so basic for us, which we take for granted, but it provides the most joy to the most people that are here, even the animals. Offering a drink, or food, is so loving. Plus, all the stuff on the fridge is an expression of the love that exists in this house.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
The last song that got stuck in my head is "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. Good one. It's how I've come so far as a person, and I how I plan to get where I'm going. It's what makes me who I am.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Getting people to understand me is probably the biggest struggle in my life. It takes a while to understand why I am so selfless, and put everyone above myself, or that I don't care about money or being rich if everyone around me is suffering, or that I would rather work 'til I drop than let people down. I've struggled financially with my family, but so have a lot of people, and many are struggling worse than us. I just do the best I can, so one day I am able to help as many people as humanly possible.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?
I believe more people should be aware of the salary and benefits of Toledo City Councilmembers. They are paid a salary of $27,500 per year, with health benefits. They could be working a lot harder, but because it is considered part-time, many have other occupations and priorities. Some people are calling for a raise, but not me. I would like to see a lot more progress first. Councilmembers are also supposed to be Non-Partisan according to the Toledo City Charter, but we can see the hold of political parties on many.
What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?
The skills or expertise that would be most helpful for holders of this office would be the ability to work with their hands, and be active in the community; the ability to use technology, and have enough schooling or knowledge to be able to work with the words of law, and/or grants effectively and efficiently; the ability to be personable, and connect with and communicate with people; the ability to work with colleagues whether they are united or in opposition on some issues; the ability to research, to find better ways to get things done; the ability to work as a team to get things done; the ability to work long hours without fatigue or much sleep; knowledge of laws; knowledge of the district and the city; at least a basic understanding of science; and the ability to accept constructive criticism.
What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?
The qualities that this office possesses that make it a unique and important part of local government are that it is the representative seat for a Councilmember of a District that seems to be forgotten, and separated from the rest. It has some of the South Side, but not enough for the resource-rich rest of South Toledo to notice. It has East Toledo, which is so neglected because it is separated by the Maumee River. However, it is also the district that gets to work with the hard working group known as the Burroughs Neighborhood Organization, which can set an example for other groups, and it gets to work with One Voice for East Toledo, which unites a very large area of residents under one banner. District 3 is not only separated by the Maumee River, but is therefore situated on the Maumee River which makes our district very important to upkeep for commerce, tourism, recreation, and environmental policy. This is the district to keep an eye on, because with the right Councilmember, it could be something really special in Toledo.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?
From what I have seen, it is beneficial to the next holder of this office to NOT have been involved in government or politics. Politics in Toledo have made officeholders overly-comfortable, and frankly, lazy. Connections have led to officeholder choices that are not in the interest of the citizens or the city.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Robert James Worthington participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on March 29, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Robert James Worthington's responses follow below.[8]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
| “ | 1) Raising the Ohio minimum wage to a living wage, to improve standards of living and workers' rights, increase disposable income boosting the economy through a FAIR distribution of wealth, and help families pay for healthcare until the system in fixed. 2) Bringing tax money back to my district (44, Toledo), and helping other communities do the same, so we have the local tools to improve our infrastructure (roads, bridges, water), and rebuild communities (home improvement, neighborhood programs, drug rehab). |
” |
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | While I believe that we need to stop focusing on one area at a time, and start focusing on the larger picture, and how every policy relates to another, I am personally passionate about criminal and social justice, civil rights and youth education including civic education. I believe these areas, coupled with FAIR economics would bring about a much better society which all citizens would enjoy.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[10]
|
” |
Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Robert James Worthington answered the following:
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
| “ | Bernie Sanders. A life-long public servant, who is an Independent Senator from Vermont, (Democratic Candidate for President), and a democratic socialist. He has set the examples that I hope to set as well - don't sell out to the money, FIGHT for the Rights of the People, provide a quality of life that all Americans deserve, keep up with the rest of the industrialized world when it comes to education and healthcare, be honest with the People, be just.[10] | ” |
| “ | I would suggest everyone read "Bernie Sanders: Our Revolution" and "Bernie Sanders' Guide to Political Revolution." Not just to understand my political philosophy, but to open their own eyes to what is going on in this country, so they may inform their own political philosophy, and maybe even run for office themselves.[10] | ” |
| “ | Integrity, selflessness, genuineness, honesty, independence, leadership, consciousness, and a work ethic great and active enough to get things done for the good of the public.[10] | ” |
| “ | I work extremely hard, and efficiently. I'm tenacious, and get things done. I'm intelligent and educated. I'm not only experienced with working with laws and legislation, but I actually enjoy working with legislation. I'm accountable, pay my bills, and stay out of debt. I'm a people-person, so I can talk, listen, and communicate with real people. I tend to be pretty selfless - I take care of others first, and actually care about helping others. I can see the bigger picture and work towards and better future for all.[10] | ” |
| “ | Represent all people in the district, work hard for the good of all people in the district, work to improve the district as a whole, provide state resources for the district, defend or advocate for laws that help the people of the district, and set an example for other officeholders and communities that will help all Americans, and the planet, prosper.[10] | ” |
| “ | I want to create a better, more peaceful, more loving world, with a high quality of life for all people, and remind others that we can all play a part in that goal, together. As much as anyone would like to have an impact, this can't be about one person, me, or anyone else. It has to be about us all, our planet, and future generations who will live in the world we help create.[10] | ” |
| “ | The events of September 11, 2001. I was 6 years old, in second grade. I got home, and my dad asked if I knew what happened. It's a lasting memory.[10] | ” |
| “ | Watching others struggle is the biggest struggle in my life. Especially homeless, or those asking for help on the streets. I don't have money myself to help, so it's a cycle of hardship.[10] | ” |
| “ | Ohio has the same partisanship ratio in both chamber which leaves little hope for liberal or urban areas, but it is important to note that at least at face value, urban areas get more proper representation in the House of Representatives, where urban residents are slightly more properly represented by a Representative that doesn't also have to represent several suburban or rural area as well as the largest urban municipality in the district, as in District 44. Several Representative districts still do include both urban and suburban or rural areas, though, as in Districts 45 and 46. In the House of Representatives, urban areas have more of a chance at full and true representation, in my view.[10] | ” |
| “ | Not necessarily. If you have a passion to serve or have worked towards a career in public service, you will be able to get caught up to speed pretty quickly. Having previous government or political experience, from what I have seen, can mean very little benefit to the public, and/or it could make a legislator lazy, corrupt, controlled by a Party or donor, or arrogant and misguided.[10] | ” |
| “ | Over the next decade, I believe Ohio's greatest challenge will be to reverse the trends that have been led to the destruction and deception of the middle class by the rhetoric of the wealthy and powerful who want to raise their own status while holding down or making worse the lives of working families, who are the majority in the State. We need to work to restore rights to a living wage, a job, a union, healthcare, voting rights, education, safety, justice, and a healthy environment.[10] | ” |
| “ | Mutual respect as elected representatives of the People, and mutual good intentions for the good of the public and the People. Open minds with each other, and firm stances in the representation of their constituents.[10] | ” |
| “ | Absolutely. In the state, it's important to have dialogue to understand what each legislator needs for their district, why they want or need what they want or need, and how legislators can help each other. It's important to also build relationships with the constituents of the legislators, so they can hold each other accountable for truly representing their district or not - a form of colleague checks & balances. I believe it's both important to be who you are, and be open to hearing why others are who they are. Open minds and open ears are very important in public service, and it's a necessary mutual respect.[10] | ” |
| “ | I favor a multi-partisan board for redistricting. This would ideally include a Democrat, a Republican, a Green, a Libertarian, and one representative from each official political Party in the state. Then, there should be an equal amount plus one of Non-Partisan members on the board. The Non-partisan members should elect the chair and officers of the board from among themselves. It might potentially be a big board, but voting rights is a pretty big deal. Communities should not be divided, populations should be as close to equal as practical, the census should be consulted, history should be examined, and all laws should be followed.[10] | ” |
| “ | Government Accountability and Oversight, Rules and Reference, State and Local Government, and Community and Family Advancement. I believe these are committees that would allow me to help our government work better for the People, and propose solutions that improve the details of the bigger picture of our society that is holding down so many.[10] | ” |
| “ | As I am not yet a legislator, this is a bit of a hope, but I would hope that either myself or another Progressive Democrat would be in the Democratic leadership at all times.[10] | ” |
| “ | I am interested in running for office, my way, which I believe is the right way, without the use of excessive amounts of money and/or dirty or shady politics, as long as it takes to get elected. I will continue to run for office so that I may help people, and at the vote of the people, I would run for the offices that allow me to help the most people. City Council, State Legislator, U.S. Representative or Senator in the future. In the future I may also want to run for Executive Office, such as Mayor, Governor, or President, but as of now I prefer to be a Representative and Legislator.[10] | ” |
| “ | "I've been a Democrat my whole life, and I am never going to vote Democrat again" after 2016, which is why I am trying to reform and influence the Party for the better. "I don't want to be on food stamps, I don't want to get hand-outs, and I don't want people to think I have them just because I'm Black. I go to school, I work, and I still can't feed my kids. I don't take them because I'm lazy, because I'm not. I take them because I can't live without them." - late-twenties-year-old, African-American, female student I had a conversation with at UT in 2015, which is why we need to improve the economic opportunities and situations for lower-income workers, especially those with children, and stop judging people for situations that they did not create themselves, but were forced into by the lies and greed of the overly-wealthy.[10] | ” |
2015
Worthington issued the following statement regarding his bid for office:
| “ | Leadership and availability are essential to public service, and I wish to improve these qualities as a public official in Toledo. Communication, connections, and understanding are critical in improving a unified revival of a proud city. Efficiency and transparency are necessary for the people to trust their government. I chose to run for office to inspire trust in government again, to prove that elected officials can lead as they were trusted to, and to demonstrate how to efficiently govern, plan for the future, and legislate. Being directly available to the people, reducing crime through interpersonal relations and city-wide security improvements, making construction more bearable and efficient, and making sure Toledo is restored and remains our beautiful place to live are some of quite a few specific goals.[10] | ” |
| —Robert James Worthington[2] | ||
See also
2019 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Toledo Blade, "Filing deadline: 20 candidates vying for six Toledo City Council seats," July 12, 2019
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Information submitted through Ballotpedia's biographical submission form on August 16, 2015
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia via email on February 20, 2020.
- ↑ Robert James Worthington of Toledo, "Community Service/Leadership Experience," accessed July 22, 2019
- ↑ Lucas County, OH elections, "May 5 Special Election," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Lucas County Board of Elections, "Official primary election results," accessed October 1, 2015
- ↑ Lucas County Board of Elections, "Official primary election candidate list," accessed August 11, 2015
- ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Robert James Worthington's responses," March 29, 2018
- ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
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